Bionomics of the poor-cod (Gadus minutusL.) in the Plymouth area

The volumetric and qualitative analysis of the food ofGadus minutushas been discussed. The post-larvae feed entirely on copepods, mostlyPseudocalanus elongatus. The O-group feeds on copepods, small decapods, amphipods, polychaetes and isopods. The adolescent and adult groups feed on larger decapods likeProcessa canaliculata, Galatheaspp. andPortunusspp., fish, polychaetes and amphipods. The age and rate of growth ofG. minutushave been computed from a study of the supra-occipital crest. These age determinations have been correlated with the age determined by scales, otoliths and size-analysis. Back-calculations have been made by graphical method and by using the Lea-Dahl formula. The differences between the back-calculated lengths and actual observed lengths are negligible.